Letters Home from a Yankee Doughboy 1916-1919

It has been at least three weeks now since Ive heard from you or any one else as far as that is conserned. I know this is not your fault for no one has received as much as a letter since taking over this sector. My letter in answer to your last one was written only recently and the reason for my writing so soon again is the fear that I may not hear from you nor be able to write for some time after mailing this.

We are expecting to move any hour now but dont know where or how long it will take to reach our destination. We do know that it will be no short trip, for every indication points this way. Unless the mail (and Im sure there is some on the way) reaches us before we leave here (which as I said may be any time) we will receive none until the place where we are going is reached. No one knows whether we are going back for a rest or to another front nor does any one Ive heard, seem to care much.

There is a draft outfit here now who are going to releave us, that is they are going to take over this part of the line under the tutorage of some French that are coming in with them. Just think Em the draft men are now on the line which shows that America is getting pretty well into this big game. Let them come, there is plenty of room for them, yes and work too. They are asking us all kinds of questions, and we answer and incourage them all we can. Experience is what will teach them tho- and nothing verbal. Of coarse only the vanguard is here now, and since they arrived things have been as quiet as it was last winter when we were miles behind the lines and couldn’t hear the sound of a gun. I will be thinking of them when they undergo their first barrage. But they are Americans and they will be there every minute Im sure.

They tell me that the 301st is here and I believe them for if any of them left as a unit surly Boston’s Own must have been among the first to leave. It would surprise you if I mentioned in this, the date they left the States, but this would not be wise. I will say that they’ve only been in France a very short time.

As is usually the case Im fine and I trust this will find you all the same. Will send some money to pay for my insurance soon so please keep it going. Give every one my kindest regards and I remain

Sam

Samuel E. Avery Hdq. Co. 103rd Inf. Am. Ex. Forces.

P.S. This, just to remind you that although we had a very lively little time a week ago Im as whole as ever, having learned a great deal and seen and experienced not a little. Will try and give an account of this later if nothing of more importance turns up to drive this from my memory. Im living the life and I havent weakened. Heads up.